Saffron And Shrimp Paella
A vibrant saffron-infused seafood paella featuring tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and aromatic rice, perfect for gatherings and lovers of bold, Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups zucchini, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups short grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron, crushed and steeped in hot water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 cups hot water ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons parsley, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a paella pan, over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add shrimp; sauté until pink, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl. Add onion, garlic, and fennel to the pan; sauté over low heat until slightly soft, about 7 minutes.
- Add zucchini and tomatoes; sauté 3 minutes longer.
- Add rice; stir to coat with the vegetables and butter.
- Add saffron with steeping liquid, salt, pepper, and hot water to the pan.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and cook until rice is done, about 20 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan.
- Stir in chopped zucchini; turn off heat.
- Cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve topped with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using homemade seafood stock instead of water. If you can't find short grain rice, Arborio or another risotto rice can be a substitute, though cooking times may vary. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance the dish. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes like Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms or a light seafood dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the paella to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the rice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saffron And Shrimp Paella contains roughly 810 calories, with 49g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2622mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the paella. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish. If using frozen, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for saffron if I don't have any?
If you don't have saffron, a pinch of turmeric can be used as a substitute for color, though it won't replicate the unique flavor of saffron. Alternatively, consider using a saffron extract or a saffron-flavored bouillon cube if available. However, for the best flavor, saffron is recommended.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this paella, simply omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, artichokes, and peas for added flavor and texture. This will create a delicious Vegetable Baked Fish-inspired dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).